Driving In Florida

[Matt Harper]

audidoody said:

I'm not aware that Florida LEO's have a particularly highly-developed sense of humour and/or discretion.

They're not that bad generally. The Highway Patrol are pretty inhuman, but local plod and Sheriffs Office do have a fair amount of discretion in how they handle traffic miscreants.

They do follow some guidelines that encourage some diplomacy with tourists, given that they provide so much to the regional economy and it's bad PR to portray Central FL as anywhere but a happy, friendly place. As a result, there will never be an episode of "Cops" filmed anywhere near here, if Disney Corp has anything to do with it (and they most certainly do).

I asked my daughter if she was aware of this new legislation. Neither she, or any of her section command are.

[R500POP]

audidoody said:

Well, if I was going to Florida and it was the law I'd rather spend the £8. I'm not aware that Florida LEO's have a particularly highly-developed sense of humour and/or discretion.

Easy enough to get one.


http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/idp-application-f...

Edited by audidoody on Wednesday 13th February 18:45

Next questions.... which one is it I require, the 1949 IDP or the 1926 IDP

[Deva Link]

R500POP said:

Next questions.... which one is it I require, the 1949 IDP or the 1926 IDP

1949.

[nutsytvr]

Got mine this morning from the Post Office. £5.50, issued whilst I waited.

NutsyTVR

[Mini1275]

nutsytvr said:

Got mine this morning from the Post Office. £5.50, issued whilst I waited.

NutsyTVR

We're off to Florida on Saturday so it's good to know the Post Office will do it whilst you wait.

[R500POP]

Can't get to a P/O whilst they are open so I'll be doing it via the AA tonight

[nutsytvr]

Mini1275 said:

We're off to Florida on Saturday so it's good to know the Post Office will do it whilst you wait.

Mini1275

Make sure you take all necessary dox with you:
Both parts of UK driving licence
passport photograph
current passport with microchip or other acceptable ID (see post office website)
£5.50
The application forms are not on show - you have to ask at the counter.

[FiF]

Florida have announced they will not be enforcing the law re IDP. What is not clear yet, as it will still technically be the law that you should have one, is whether those rental offices who have required you to have an IDP otherwise no vehicle are about to stop the demand.

No trooper is going to arrest etc if no IDP unless other significant issues with your driving but for those about to go best to get one imho even if it means a bit of effort.

[HOGEPH]

http://flhsmv.gov/IDP.htm

[Elroy Blue]

Just to reinforce. From the Foreign Office:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/...

"The State of Florida has suspended enforcement of a recently introduced driving law requiring non-resident drivers to be in possession of an International Driving Permit and a UK driving licence. Following the change, a valid UK driving licence, or licence issued by another foreign government or US State, is the only requirement for driving a car in Florida"

[Fishtigua]

Simon Calder's latest take on it, from The Indie.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advic...

[Mini1275]

So do we need one or not? .

[R500POP]

Just get one for peace of mind.

[Deva Link]

Mini1275 said:

So do we need one or not? .

Dibbers http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6... are still buying them "just in case". I love that forum, it's hilarious.

[Mini1275]

We've just spoken to the car hire company and they're saying you don't need one now.

It's not being enforced and won't be for a few months at least.

[R500POP]

I've just this moment received an e-mail from the travel agents saying one IS required....

"Hi

We have some important information regarding your forth coming trip and NEW DRIVING REGULATIONS – please read.

URGENT· New car hire laws for Florida and the USA stipulate that all drivers must now have an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtainable from the Post Office. Please see further information below."

[Matt Harper]

Deva Link said:

Dibbers http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6... are still buying them "just in case". I love that forum, it's hilarious.

The correct vernacular is 'Dibbtards'

[audidoody]

This is what happened today!

"Statement from DHSMV on International Driving Permits

During the 2012 legislative session, the Florida Legislature amended section 322.04, Florida Statutes, to require visitors from outside the United States to have an International Driving Permit in order to drive lawfully in Florida. This change took effect Jan. 1, 2013.

It has come to the Department’s attention that this requirement may violate the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), an international treaty to which the United States is a signatory. Treaties to which the United States is a party preempt state laws in conflict with them.

Therefore, the Florida Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of violations of the amended statutory section until a final determination of the alignment of the amendment with the treaty can be made. Non-resident visitors to Florida who wish to drive while here will be required to have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued in his or her name from another state or territory of the U.S. or from their country of residence. However, the FHP will not take enforcement action based solely on the lack of an International Driving Permit."

[LHRFlightman]

This permit is no longer required.

[R500POP]

I'm assuming this is still not required looking at the fco website.